Macbook Pro 13-inch 2020 speakers crackling and distorting sound

I'm also having a similar issue. Only had my MacBook about two weeks and on two occasions while watching videos the sounds just suddenly distorts terribly and stays that way. After that, does not matter if I'm streaming video or playing an audio file, the sound is heavily distorted. Restarting the computer seems to fix it, for awhile, but that is a huge pain. Dismayed to hear that Apple has not identified the problem and a fix.

Interesting. Yeah me taking in to an Apple store isn't going to happen. Don't live anywhere near one. And I've confirmed the problem isn't isolated to just my MacBook Pro speakers. Happens no matter the audio device I'm using (bluetooth headphones, external monitor with speakers, etc). All the same distorted sound problem. Guess I'll give Apple a ring. I've had this Mac all of a week!

Yup...exact same problem. Restart fixes it...sounds fine for a bit, then the sound goes bad and only a restart fixes it. Guess I too need to do an exchange, but yeah....who's to say the next one won't have the same problem!

I think I've had my replacement MacBook for about 3 or 4 weeks now and so far no problem with the sound on this one. Hoping it stays that way. But question...

When you say you're just missed your return window, do you mean 14 days or 45? Just checking, as Apple extended the return window due to COVID, from the usual 14 days to a full 45, as far as I know. But if you're over 45 days, then yeah, may need to look for other fixes.

Yes, same issue as well. I will try the command next time I have the issue, but its happened 3 times now with a restart resolving it. Agreed its software based, but Apple need to sort this. We shouldn't have to be restarting or run a command line to correct it. Technically if its a fault even with the software the product doesn't meet its purpose and needs resolution.

@sender123 I've tried reproducing the issue by running Spark AR studio, as you mentioned, without success.

So this confirms once more the random nature of the issue.

Once again, if we can't find a consistent way of reproducing this, I'm pretty sure it will never get fixed, unfortunately.

I see this to be Apple's Design flaw, the product has its defect even before our purchase. So it is apple's responsibility to fix the problem. We are also protected by EU consumer protection law.

They charge us £1400 for this crap? no way. I am sure they will fix this.

This may also lead to long term hearing problem, so impacted users can file a lawsuit which will make Apple Pay a lumpsump. To avoid it, it will be good if they do a service program at the earliest.

Just wondering if anyone has experienced this issue with one of the new M1 chip Macbook Pros as well?

I'm thinking of making an early upgrade as one way of hopefully putting the audio problem behind me...but if it truly is a software issue, won't be too surprised to hear that the M1's might have it as well.

I wish you the best. I spent hours dealing with Apple on the phone. I sent them 2 sysdiagnose archives and got exactly nowhere. For now, I have a script icon on my desk top to restart coreaudiod when the audio goes side ways.

Same here

Pro 2018

happens mostly when I run vscode, simulators, or youtube and spotify

crackle distorting horrible noise

Have to restart every time

Not what you pay for exactly

Will post a video and put it on FB for Apple to see

Hey, did you manage to resolve this issue? The same thing is also happening to me!

Ditto! Though in truth, I haven't used the speakers too much in this first week with the replacement, so fingers crossed it doesn't recur with this new one.

Copy and paste that command into your terminal. You will need to enter in your lock-screen password after you hit enter

Would you mind providing an update?

I have literally just gone outside of my return window and this distortion has just happened for the first time.

Thanks, restarting coreaudiod is a great temporary fix. Worked great for me this morning!